ICE Enforcement Intensifies in New York, Several Areas Under Focus

Immigrant rights organizations say immigration enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased recently in several immigrant-heavy neighborhoods across New York City.

According to the New York Immigration Coalition, ICE activity has increased significantly over the past two weeks in several areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

The areas identified by the immigrant rights organization include Inwood and Washington Heights in Manhattan; Port Richmond and Stapleton on Staten Island; and Sunset Park, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Cypress Hills in Brooklyn.

Earlier, Make the Road New York also reported increased ICE enforcement activity in Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, College Point and Corona in Queens.

Local New York lawmakers have also spoken out against the recent ICE activity. Council Member Carmen De La Rosa and Assembly Member Catalina Gonzalez-Rojas have expressed their support for immigrant families.

De La Rosa protested after an ICE agent was accused of using pepper spray on a woman in Inwood on July 28. She said immigrants should not be afraid and called on residents to remain vocal in defending their rights in New York.

Meanwhile, New York Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has participated in outreach efforts in Queens aimed at raising awareness about immigrants’ rights. The campaign has focused particularly on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and the rights of immigrants when interacting with ICE.

Concerns among immigrant rights advocates have also increased after a U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice revealed the use of gloves capable of delivering electric shocks during ICE operations.

Immigrant rights organizations are urging New York residents to be aware of their legal rights when interacting with ICE and to remain informed about available protections and resources.